House Appropriations Committee Approves Fiscal Year 2015 Defense Bill Legislation will fund military operations, national security efforts, and programs for the health and safety of U.S. troops

Washington, Jun 10 -

The House Appropriations Committee today approved the fiscal year 2015 Defense Appropriations bill on a bipartisan voice vote. The legislation funds critical national security needs, military operations abroad, and health and quality-of-life programs for the men and women of the Armed Forces and their families.

In total, the bill provides $491 billion in discretionary funding, an increase of $4.1 billion above the fiscal year 2014 enacted level and $200 million above the President’s request. In addition, the bill includes $79.4 billion in Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) for the ongoing war efforts abroad, the same level assumed in the President’s budget request and in the House-passed National Defense Authorization Act.

“This Defense funding bill funds our national security in a way that is both fiscally responsible and reflective of the current and future threats to our nation,” House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers said. “By prioritizing the security of the American people, the readiness of our military, and the health and well-being of our brave warfighters, this bipartisan legislation will help create a safer America.”

“This bipartisan bill provides the Department of Defense with much needed resources to modernize and maintain readiness at the levels which will allow the military and intelligence community to preserve its status as the most capable and superior armed forces in the world,” Subcommittee Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen said.

The following amendments to the bill were approved today by the full committee:

Rep. Frelinghuysen – The manager’s amendment makes technical and non-controversial changes to the bill and report. The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.

Rep. Frelinghuysen -- The amendment adds language to the bill and report prohibiting funding to be used in contravention of Sec. 1035 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014, which deals with Congressional notification of the transfer or release of Guantanamo detainees. The amendment was adopted on a vote of 33-13.

Rep. Lee -- The amendment prohibits funds to implement new military hair and grooming regulations issued by the Pentagon in March of 2014. The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.

Rep. DeLauro – The amendment prohibits funding for contracts, agreements, grants, loans, or other agreements with the Rosoboronexport company unless certain conditions are met, such as a prohibition on Rosoboronexport contracts with Syria, a requirement that the Russian Federation withdraws armed forces from Ukraine, and a requirement that contracts be competitively bid. The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.